Man Utd cool Pochettino interest, join Arsenal in targeting Bologna forward

Man Utd no longer want Poch

Manchester United have cooled their interest in Mauricio Pochettino, according to The Times. United had previously targeted Thomas Tuchel, who was reported to have turned down the role on Monday.

And with Erik ten Hag’s future still unclear, it appears Pochettino will not be replacing the Dutchman in the dugout after Sir Jim Ratcliffe took the former Chelsea, PSG and Tottenham boss off of his list.

The Times added: “The Argentinian was included on a shortlist last month when United started reviewing Erik ten Hag’s position as manager. The club are yet to decide whether to ditch Ten Hag — their post-season review is still under way — but if they opt to make a change, the recently sacked Chelsea head coach is unlikely to be given the job.

“The club spoke to the 52-year-old at the end of the season, having also interviewed him in 2022, when United appointed Ten Hag instead. Pochettino took over at Stamford Bridge in May last year and struggled initially, but led Chelsea to sixth position, three points and two places above United.”

Arsenal and Man Utd eye Zirkzee

Arsenal and Manchester United are both monitoring Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to the Daily Mail. The 23-year-old joined Bologna from Bayern Munich in 2022.

Zirkzee’s release clause could make him an attractive option for clubs this summer, but Arsenal and United could find they have competition in the form of AC Milan.

The Mail adds: “Zirkzee netted 11 goals in 34 league games to help fire his side to fifth place and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

“But Zirkzee – who also provided four Serie A assists – may not still be at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara by the time Bologna embark on their first elite European campaign since 1964.

“He is in high demand and has a modest £34m release clause in his current contract.”

TAA in line to start for England

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in pole position to start England’s first match at Euro 2024 against Serbia on Sunday, the Telegraph reports. Alexander-Arnold is set for a midfield role at the Euros, and could partner Declan Rice in England’s opener.

The Liverpool player was given England’s No 8 shirt “for a reason”, a source told the Telegraph, and that could see Alexander-Arnold start ahead of Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton.

The Telegraph writes: “England manager Gareth Southgate also has Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton competing for the spot next to Rice, but a source said: “A lot can change, obviously, but Trent was given the No 8 shirt for a reason.”

“Alexander-Arnold only played for just over half-an-hour as a substitute against Wales in the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and missed England’s March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium through injury, when Southgate had hoped to look at him in midfield.

“But the Liverpool man played and scored in the warm-up win over Bosnia, starting in the centre of midfield, and also made an appearance as a substitute in the defeat by Iceland.”

Brighton set for appointment as Leicester make Potter No 1

Brighton are set to announce 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler as their new manager this week.

The Guardian writes: “The German, who has been compared to Julian Nagelsmann and is known for his data-driven approach, is understood to have agreed terms to replace Roberto De Zerbi after Brighton identified him as their preferred choice. They have secured a work permit in anticipation of confirming that Hurzeler will take over.”

Meanwhile, the Guardian also claim that Leicester have made former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter their No 1 target after Enzo Maresca left the Foxes.

The Guardian adds: “Potter’s reputation is still high thanks to his work at Brighton, despite his underwhelming period at Stamford Bridge. Potter has bided his time since leaving Chelsea, recently holding talks with Brighton, after receiving interest from the Dutch club Ajax.”